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Hurricanes forward Skinner diagnosed with concussion after hit in pre-season game

WASHINGTON - Carolina forward Jeff Skinner has been diagnosed with a concussion after he was hit in the head in Sunday's pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals.

Hurricanes executive vice president and general manager Ron Francis confirmed in a statement Monday that the team's leading goal scorer form last season suffered a concussion when he was hit by Washington defenceman Matt Niskanen in the NHL pre-season finale.

"He will continue to be monitored by our team doctors and go through proper protocols in the coming days," Francis said.

Niskanen hit Skinner in the head with his arm just after the Hurricanes centre completed an offensive-zone faceoff.

Skinner had trouble getting to his feet after the hit and was wobbly as he left the ice. Niskanen was not penalized on the play.

Skinner, who led the Hurricanes with 33 goals last season, has a history of concussions, missing time in both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons with head injuries.

The injury is another blow to a Hurricanes team already missing forward Jordan Staal for three to four months with a broken leg.